tipping point

noun

: the critical point in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place

Examples of tipping point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Backed by an experienced international team and three co-producing countries, the film arrives at a moment when deaf rights have reached a global tipping point. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 American primacy will not disappear immediately, either, but long-building doubts about American power and purpose have passed their tipping point. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Even though the oil market continues to run at a deficit, the more oil that comes out of the strait, the longer the market can stave off a looming tipping point at which its reserves become insufficient to supply the world with enough oil. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026 Savchuk said Fedorov’s dismissal became a tipping point because he was viewed favorably by many Ukrainians, while other officials seen as less effective have remained in their positions. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tipping point

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tipping point was in 1959

Rhymes for tipping point

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Browse Nearby Words

tippet
tipping point
tipple
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Cite this Entry

“Tipping point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tipping%20point. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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